Mpls. police chief patrols after downtown shooting

MINNEAPOLIS -- The top cop in Minneapolis took to the streets Sunday night amid concerns of retaliation after a man was shot and killed at Epic, a downtown nightclub.

Police Chief Janee Harteau said police already stepped up patrols Saturday, the night the shooting happened. They worried the concert by rapper Yo Gotti at Epic could attract a violent crowd. Even with extra police Harteau said the club swelled up to 1,000 to 2,000 people. Somehow, someone got in with a gun.

Jatyia Young said her brother Tyrone Washington, known as Tycrack by friends, was attending the concert with friends.

"He was in VIP having a good time and somebody approached him as he was stepping down to join the crowd. Somebody shot him," Young said.

According to police Washington and the suspect got into an altercation when the suspect shot him and then fled. Washington's friends dragged him outside to try to take him to the hospital, Young said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 27-year-old has a lengthy criminal history with charges ranging from assault, lying to officers about his identity, to illegal possession of a firearm.

Harteau said her department is reviewing video from the club and trying to interview witnesses but they have been uncooperative. She fears those who know what happened may take matters into their own hands with more violence. That's why the chief and surrounding businesses are concerned.

"I'm concerned when we have a great thriving downtown with really good businesses that there are few that continue to not fit in that norm and as a city I think we need to look at what types of events we allow in our downtown clubs," Harteau said.

Calls and emails to Epic were not returned. However the club wrote on its Facebook page, "Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim last night. So sad and so unnecessary."

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